BMW - Serie 3 (1989)

In the world of luxury compact cars, the BMW Serie 3 stands out as a benchmark of performance, engineering, and timeless style. Whether you’re looking at the original 1989 model or any of today’s used options, BMW Serie 3 price inquiries run high across every market. The 1989 series, with its distinct chrome strip, still draws enthusiasts who want the nostalgic feel of early BMW dynamics.

Below you’ll find a deep dive that explains what drives the value of the BMW Serie 3, how to interpret its depreciation curve, and how it stacks against its peers. The listings are intentionally broad—prices may vary by mileage, condition, and geographic market—yet the structure will give you a solid point of comparison.

• Year: 1989 (classic generation)
• Engine: 2.0L four‑cylinder inline‑four (or 2.3L in later trims)
• Power: 114–140 hp depending on configuration
• Torque: 153–162 lb‑ft
• Transmission: 4‑speed or 5‑speed manual; automatic variants available in newer models
• Drive Type: Rear‑wheel drive; optional 4MOTION available on later releases
• Fuel Type: Gasoline (premium recommended)
• Dimensions: 177 in wheelbase; 179 in length; 73 in width; 58 in height
• Boot Capacity: 15.4 cu ft (expandable to 27.8 cu ft with rear seats folded)
• Fuel Economy: ~20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (1989 equivalents)
• Safety Features: Dual airbags, ABS, seat belt pretensioners (standard on later 1989 models)
• Optional Extras: Automatic climate control, power windows, sunroof, premium audio, leather upholstery in updated years
• Typical Displacement of Modern Series: 2.0L turbo‑charged inline‑four (up to 255 hp)

When someone asks: what is a 1989 BMW Serie 3 worth, the answer hinges on a blend of skin‑deep appeal and mechanical integrity. The model’s original style and performance pedigree give it a strong emotive pull, but market forces and ageing engineering bring cost factors into play.

Depreciation Insight

Depreciation is a crucial variable for prospective buyers. In the second decade after a vehicle’s release, most cars experience a significant decline in value:

• Typical 1‑year loss | BMW Serie 3 depreciation often falls between 15–20% of original retail price
• At 25 years | The 1989 model’s value is usually around 45–55% of its original MSRP, depending on mileage and maintenance history
• Beyond 30 years | For a well‑maintained classic, the rate slows to 5–7% per year, often because collectors value rarity and condition over raw performance

So, if you’re in the early 2000s and wondering about BMW Serie 3 1989 price**, factoring in the broad depreciation trends helps you assess whether a particular car is a bargain relative to its age.